We are accustomed to humans speaking not only on their own behalf, but also on behalf of other entities: the universe, the rainforest, animals, the city. During Parliament of Things, participants explore what it means for them to speak as things and, above all, with things. Does this remain a dualistic relationship, from human to thing, or is it conceivable that a different relationship could emerge, that we as humans could give ourselves a different place in the universe?
Parliament of Things is a concept introduced by philosopher Bruno Latour, who advocates for the rights of objects. According to Latour, modern thinking refuses to recognize the rights, autonomy, and agency (the capacity to act) of objects. He advocates a human vision in which the values (not the value) of objects and other entities play an active role.
I developed the dialogical concept for the Parliament of Things at Building Conversation in collaboration with scientists, architects, and artists, the eponymous platform The Parliament of Things, and the Embassy of the North Sea.
